Penn Charter Implements Changes to Security Plan

As part of an ongoing effort to ensure student safety, Penn Charter has made several major improvements to facilities and, beginning in September 2007, will implement a sign-in procedure for parents and visitors.

"Our current practices attempt to balance an open learning environment with a plan for anticipating and handling a crisis," Hal Davidow, chief financial officer, wrote in an announcement published in the Upper, Middle and Lower School fall newsletters. The administration has been engaged since last year in a review of the school's safety and security procedures, including our crisis plan.

In the newsletters, Davidow outlined upgrades and new systems designed to improve security and emergency communication, including:

A new public address system that facilitates communication to Upper School classrooms. (Lower and Middle School already have this capability.)
Interior door locks so that all classrooms can be locked from the inside but opened by faculty from the outside.
Emergency notification technology that will facilitate rapid communication to parents by telephone and e-mail - including text messaging - in the event of an emergency. The system, which will be put in place this fall, delivers messages at a rate of 4,000+ per minute.

Davidow also announced that, during school hours, parents and visitors will be asked to enter division buildings by the main entrance only and to sign in and out. Signing in will not be required before school starts, after school or during special events.

"It is important for us to make contact with anyone entering the building and to know who is in the building in the event of an emergency," Davidow explained.

Also, in conjunction with the local fire department, the school plans two lockdown drills this year. The opposite of a fire drill, a lockdown requires that all students, personnel and visitors remain inside; attendance is taken and verified before the lockdown ends.

"While we have improved security on campus and continue to be vigilant about safety, we will preserve the welcoming and inclusive environment that has long defined the Penn Charter community," Davidow said. "We, of course, will continue to monitor these issues and make appropriate changes as necessitated by the complex world in which we live."